Edrin had another realization.
"I don't like this plan," he said.
"We haven't explained the plan yet," Ronan replied.
"That's exactly why I don't like it."
Kael remained focused on the valley below, watching the group of Invaders move in eerie synchronization.
"We follow them," he said.
Edrin closed his eyes. "…Of course we do."
Lyra nodded. "At a distance."
Edrin opened one eye. "A safe distance?"
Kael didn't answer.
Edrin sighed. "That's not reassuring."
Ronan grinned. "It'll be fine."
"That's the least believable thing you've ever said."
Kael turned. "We track their movement. Learn their pattern. If they're heading toward the main breach, they'll lead us there."
Edrin frowned. "…So we're using them."
"Yes."
"That feels risky."
"It is."
Edrin nodded. "At least we're being honest."
They began moving along the ridge, keeping the valley in sight while staying hidden among rocks and uneven terrain.
Edrin tried to step carefully.
Tried being the important word.
"…I'm going to fall," he whispered.
"Don't," Lyra said.
"I'll do my best."
He placed his foot—
Slipped slightly—
Caught himself.
"…Still not falling," he muttered.
"Progress," Ronan said.
"I miss when falling helped."
Kael glanced back briefly. "Stop thinking about it."
"I think about everything."
"That's your problem."
Edrin sighed. "I've been told."
They moved steadily, the Invaders below them maintaining their strange, unified pace.
Edrin watched them carefully.
"…They're not wandering," he said.
"No," Lyra replied. "They know where they're going."
Edrin swallowed. "…That's worse."
"Yes."
Hours passed.
The terrain grew rougher, the path narrowing as the land began to rise.
The air felt heavier.
Edrin noticed that too.
"…Something's off," he said.
Kael didn't slow. "You feel it."
"I don't like that I feel it."
Ronan smirked. "That means you're learning."
Edrin frowned. "Everything means I'm learning."
"Because you are."
They stopped briefly as the ridge curved, giving them a clearer view ahead.
The valley narrowed into a rocky pass.
The Invaders entered without hesitation.
Edrin leaned forward slightly. "…That looks like a trap."
"It is," Kael said.
Edrin blinked. "…Then why are they going in?"
Lyra's expression darkened. "Because they know something we don't."
Edrin stared at the pass.
"…I don't like this."
"No one does," Ronan said.
Kael turned to them. "We slow down here."
Edrin raised a hand. "I support that decision."
"We observe first," Kael continued. "Then move."
Edrin nodded. "I also support observing."
They approached carefully, keeping their distance.
As they reached the edge of the rocky pass, Edrin felt it—
Stronger now.
That same presence.
That same pressure.
But different.
Focused.
Waiting.
"…It's here," he whispered.
Lyra didn't deny it.
Ronan didn't joke.
Kael's expression hardened.
"Yes," he said.
Edrin swallowed.
"…And it knows we're coming, doesn't it?"
Silence.
Then—
"Yes."
Edrin closed his eyes briefly.
"…Of course it does."
He opened them again.
Looked ahead.
At the narrow path.
At the darkness beyond it.
"…We're still going in, aren't we?"
"Yes," Lyra said.
Edrin nodded slowly.
"…Alright."
One step forward.
Then another.
Fear still there.
Loud.
Clear.
But no longer stopping him.
And as they entered the pass—
The light behind them faded.
And something ahead—
Moved.